In line with its set strategy to become a global leader in selected segments, ÅR Packaging Group AB has acquired all outstanding shares in K+D AG and entered into agreement to acquire all outstanding shares in rlc Packaging GmbH as well as indirectly a significant share in BSC Drukarnia Opakowań S.A. The companies are well-reputed packaging producers with substantial market presence in the central European market for healthcare and beauty products. This strategic move will elevate AR Packaging to a leading market position also in the healthcare, pharma and beauty segment.
Through the acquisitions of K+D and rlc, AR Packaging will continue its successful growth development in line with the strategic plan to expand in selected segments. The healthcare business of the Group includes both carton based and flexible packaging for customers in the pharma, medical and beauty industry in Europe and Asia.
K+D is an expert in pharmaceutical and cosmetics packaging and provides GMP-compliant, finished and counterfeit-proof cartonboard solutions. The company is based in Switzerland, where it holds a market leading position in pharmaceutical packaging printing, and has around 70 employees.
rlc Packaging is an innovative premium packaging manufacturer specialised in high quality folding cartons to the beauty, pharma, food and confectionery industry. The Group comprises of four production facilities in Germany and one in Switzerland. Additionally, the group holds a significant share in BSC Drukarnia Opakowań in Poland having two plants. In total the headcount is around 1,500 experienced employees. rlc Packaging has a strong market position in Central Europe with a customer base of both well-known global large-cap and local mid-cap companies.
“We are excited to welcome these companies, which are a good fit for our group’s growth strategy. Together with our existing activities it will put AR Packaging at a top 3 position in Europe in the healthcare, pharma and beauty segments, served by 11 plants in 6 countries”, says Harald Schulz, President and CEO of AR Packaging. “The customers of K+D and, following completion, rlc will benefit from our Group’s unique product portfolio including multi substrate packaging”.
For K+D, Stefan Kuhn, the previous owner, says; “We are very happy to join the AR Packaging family. It is a strategic step for us which follows the market dynamics and is in favour of our national and international customers as well as for our employees. Personally I will support the integration and further development of K+D in an active role for some time”.
“As a family business in its 5th generation, we have always focused on sustainable and long-term perspectives for our employees and a reliable relationship with our customers", say Hans-Christian and Stephan Bestehorn at rlc Packaging. "Becoming part of AR Packaging, we see excellent opportunities to further increase packaging expertise and commitment available to pharma and brand owners. For this reason, we both remain within the company and are therefore fully committed to the strategic idea behind this decision.”
Completion of the acquisition of rlc Packaging is subject to customary closing conditions, including local regulatory approvals. The parties to the acquisition have agreed that no financial details will be disclosed.
